Does anyone really stick to their New Year resolution?

I’m just wondering after noticing the spike in attendance at my health club during the past week.  And it’s no wonder: Improved health such as losing weight or getting into better shape is always high on most people’s list.

Others may opt to improve their finances. Perhaps they’re looking to get out of debt or save money.

I know some folks place traveling on top of their list – at least those who can afford to do so – while others will use their New Year resolution as that motivating factor to quit smoking, cut down on alcohol consumption, or eat healthier.

A New Year resolution is a commitment of what we hope to accomplish for, say, 2011. In the secular tradition, it’s the anticipation that a new year will mark a new beginning.

A New Year resolution is a challenge and a goal. Getting there is usually easier said than done.

Chances are slim that those goals will be achieved. In 2007, Richard Wisemen from the University of Bristol conducted a study on this matter.

In his research, he found that 52 percent of his participants came in confident of accomplishing their New Year resolution goal, but only 12 percent actually succeeded.

Over the years, I’ve witnessed a microcosm of that at the gym. As a regular at my health club for the better part of a decade, I know that I can bank on seeing a batch of new faces on the cardio and weight machines once the New Year rolls around.

Why sweat it? After six weeks, I can bet that things will resume back to normal. By then, the novelty of the resolution usually wears thin.

But at the same time I do applaud those who stick to their routine.

I’ve managed to befriend several of the newcomers from a year ago. We were in the same spin or cycle class.

In fact, I’ve found that the group exercise classes are probably the best way to go, especially for those hoping to incorporate fitness into their lifestyle. Better yet if you find a group here that’s encouraging and positive.

At that point, you’re no longer agonizing going to the gym. You may actually look forward to the workout.

In the end, it doesn’t matter how you accomplish your New Year resolution goal.

Just do it, says the ad for Nike.